Red Lauan
Scientific name: Shorea negrosensis
Overview
Red Lauan is a lightweight to medium-weight tropical hardwood from Southeast Asia commonly associated with the broader Lauan trade group. Native primarily to the Philippines and surrounding tropical Asian regions, Red Lauan is widely used in plywood production, interior construction, millwork, and general utility applications. The wood is valued for its relatively uniform texture, workability, and reddish-brown coloration, making it a common commercial hardwood throughout Asian timber markets.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Lauan
- Scientific Name: Shorea negrosensis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 670 lbf
- Color: Light reddish brown to medium red brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium and fairly uniform
Identification Characteristics
Red Lauan is recognized by its relatively consistent reddish-brown coloration and moderately coarse texture. Compared to heavier Shorea trade woods such as Balau, Red Lauan is lighter in weight and easier to machine. The wood often displays subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces due to mild interlocked grain.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium reddish-brown coloration
- Moderately lightweight structure
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium uniform texture
- Occasional ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces
Working Properties
Red Lauan is generally considered easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. The wood glues, stains, and finishes well, making it especially common in plywood and interior woodworking applications. Due to its softer structure compared to denser tropical hardwoods, it is less suited for heavy exterior wear applications.
- Easy to machine and sand
- Good dimensional stability
- Accepts stains and finishes well
- Moderate durability depending on species mix
- Can experience tearout in interlocked grain sections
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Red Lauan is widely used in commercial woodworking and construction applications throughout Asia and international export markets.
- Plywood
- Interior paneling
- Furniture components
- Doors
- Cabinetry
- Millwork
- Light construction
- Veneer
Sustainability & Notes
The Lauan trade group includes multiple Shorea species, and availability can vary significantly depending on region and forestry regulations. Some related Shorea species face sustainability concerns due to historical overharvesting and habitat loss in Southeast Asia. Responsible sourcing and verification are recommended when purchasing Lauan products.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
White Lauan – Typically lighter in color and somewhat softer in appearance than Red Lauan.
Yellow Lauan – Often slightly lighter in tone with similar commercial applications.
Red Meranti – A heavier and generally more durable Shorea trade wood commonly used in broader construction and furniture applications.
Related Guides
Wood Grain Patterns Explained – Covers how grain structure and figure affect wood appearance and identification.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Explains how density and hardness influence woodworking performance.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Explains how tropical hardwoods react to humidity and environmental conditions.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Red Lauan is generally considered more of a commercial utility hardwood than a collector species, though older-growth material with pronounced ribbon figure can still be attractive for wood collections and educational sample sets focused on Southeast Asian trade woods.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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